Pullman porter, waiter, valet -- these don't sound like breakthrough parts, but for an African-American actor who was accustomed to producers casting white men in the roles of black people (these were the days of Amos and Andy), these parts offered a major opportunity.

For those wanting a respite from today's low, "in-your-face" brand of comedy, here are a few tried-and-true classics featuring these top screen comediennes. These special ladies made us laugh -- and feel smart -- at the same time.